Engine Leak / smoke

[Tomej]

Hi all,

Please excuse the ignorance but I'm new to TVR owning and not familiar with the SP6 engine.

I took the car out thursday night, with no problems at all.

Since I've had her I have smelt a strong petrol smell when i have the window open so I thought I'd check it out. My brother and I opened the bonnet and noticed a leak at the bottom of the engine (pic below):


Can anyone give me an idea of what this leak could be from please and if it would be ok to drive still?
I was going to take her on a 300 mile trip tommorrow but not sure I should now.

I also noticed that there appears to be smoke coming from around the throttle rod. - not sure exactly as only had a quick look, again any ideas before I do more damage?

Not sure if it helps but I did top her up with oil before this happened as the oil ligh was faintly on.

[KillerJim]

Is the smell of Petrol inside or outside the car?

I would check the petrol return line for sign of perishing, it can look find from the front but run your hand along the back and make sure its all fine.

Personally I'd have it to any TVR garage to get them to have a look at it!

[Tomej]

Thanks KillerJim,

The smell is outside but is strong when the window is open.

[RedSpike66]

If those leaks are coming from the join between the head and the block, you have a head gasket issue I'm afraid. Looks dark coloured fluid from the photo - Is it water or oil ?? And is it new/fresh staining or you juxst never noticed and its been there for a while ??

As regards the fuel smell, since de-catting my car, the fuel smell is much more apparent, but these cars do run rich. Check the rubber fuel hoise that runs to the front of the fuel rail - mine had perished.

[Tomej]

Thanks Respike,

It might sound stupid but I've had the car 6 months and not once looked under the bonnet when the engine was running.

The fluid is clear, but I think it's oil. It's at the bottom of the block though so wasn't sure if it was the head gasket or not.

[RedSpike66]

I would definitely monitor that streaking from what looks like the head gasket area to see if you get any more leakage. Remove the airbox and have a look on that side too, and alos be very observant about your oil/water temperatures whilst driving, especially when you stop in traffic. And check your levels very frequently now onwards.

Any signs of more leaks, or overheating, get it booked in to a deceent TVR specialist asap.

You could go for a quick pressure test on it now at a dealer just to check the water system is ok ?? Takes about 10mins...

[Don1]

Yeah, I'd really echo everything said - check fuel hoses, and get it to a good garage asap.

[Tomej]

thanks guys, I think I'll get it booked in now, just got back from a 300 mile round trip which I know I shouldn't have done but did.
But the oil level does appear to be reducing quickly.

Thanks for your advices

[24heuresdemans]

I recently had a fuel leak that I only smelt when I opened the window. Turned out to be a small leak in the boot where the fuel pipe joins the tank. I think the action of opening the window drew the fumes in from the boot into the cabin.